Kerry Independent Alliance councillor John O’Donoghue was third past the post in what was his first local election.

He was co-opted onto the council in June 2021 following the retirement of his uncle and former councillor Michael Gleeson.
He is a primary school teacher from Muckross and was part of Gleeson’s backroom team for years.
“I can’t thank enough, the 1574 people who voted for me,” he said, “I hope this is a reflection on the work I have done for coming on three years now. But as they say, the next election starts now.”
O’Donoghue earned 1,574 first preference and was elected on the second count after Maura Healy Rae’s surplus votes were transferred to the remaining candidates.
His uncle was on hand to see O’Donoghue elected at the first time of asking.
“I am delighted to see John do well on his first campaign,” said the former Mayor of Killarney.
“It can be very intimidating as he establishes their own credibility and policies but John and his team travelled the constituency very thoroughly and close to 1600 people have shown their faith in him.”